Dems: GOP lawmaker who sent e-mails doesn't understand problem

[sabra]

http://www.summitdaily.com/article/20060328/NEWS/103280063

Dems: GOP lawmaker who sent e-mails doesn't understand problem


DENVER - A GOP lawmaker who distributed e-mails questioning the character of some blacks and Muslims should not expect to silence his critics by saying he did not agree with the messages, two Democratic legislators said Tuesday.

...

After the apology, another e-mail forwarded by Welker surfaced; it questioned whether devout Muslims could be patriotic Americans. Welker has said he did not remember sending it.

Welker told the Associated Press his mistake was not disclosing he did not write the e-mails.

"It's part of free speech in America. When I read things in the newspaper, there are things I agree with and things I disagree with. It's an opportunity to pass on information. It's up to the reader to agree or disagree," he said.

...

"He just doesn't get it," said Paccione, a Fort Collins Democrat. "It wasn't a mistake for him not to disclose, it's a mistake for a legislator to send it in the first place. It's not illegal, it's inappropriate."

[rodeodance]

1. He should take some of Sen. Warners memory pills!! geesh!

[rockymountaindem]

2. When I saw that headline, I knew this thread was going to be about Welker

That guy is a big grindstone around the neck of the Colorado GOP lately. I hope they don't act too quickly to remove him, if ya know what I mean.

[Rose Siding]

3. If he didn't agree with an article, why ever would he pass it on?

That's a legalistic argument that defies common sense.

[Gman]

4. It is a very small jump from saying and agreeing with

according to the article:
The e-mail about Muslims said in part, "Can a devout Muslim be an American patriot and loyal citizen? ... Politically, no. Because he must submit to the mullah, who teaches annihilation of Israel and destruction of America, the great Satan."

and saying Catholic politicians must submit to the Pope which is also not true. If this guy believes what's in this email, he also believes the same about Catholics. Logically he has to.

I have a pet theory that much of the motivation for the RW attack on Kerry in 04 was because he was Catholic. There's no way the fundies would stand for a Catholic president.

[woldnewton]

8. "There's no way the fundies would stand for a Catholic president."

You mean another Catholic president?

[salin]

5. An elected official sending bigotted emails

is the problem, Welker, not disclosing whether or not you authored them. What you don't get is what it says about you, not only as a person, but as a legislator. Idiot.

[yellowcanine]

6. Jerry Fatwall took a similar approach with the "Clinton Chronicles"

video which he distributed as a fundraiser for his "ministry". He said it was up to Clinton to refute the charges in the video.

[Supersedeas]

7. Ya see...ya see here...it was just ANOTHER 'honest' mistake

[Judi Lynn]

9. Kick!

:kick: :kick: :kick:



Welker